About the episode: As part of our Innovation series, Ryan Russell, Vice President of Innovation and New Products at Compassion International, joins us in unraveling the intricacies of service-oriented innovation. Together, we discuss how innovation doesn’t have to be huge to make an impact. Each step forward is rich with opportunities to learn. Ryan talks about the passion and humility we need towards our customers, employees, and/or clients. We also explore the intersection of creativity...

For this episode, Carol Bremer-Bennett, the executive director of World Renew, shares her story of navigating the confluence of vocation, heritage, and service. From the greenhouses of her youth to the global stage of community development, Carol's path offers a unique perspective on embracing life's vocational shifts. With a spirit deeply rooted in her Navajo heritage and a heart committed to prayerful guidance, she unveils the connections between her work with the Navajo people and the...

On this episode of The Better Samaritan, Leah Kral, Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation at the Mercatus Center, joins us to discuss her transition from the profit-driven marketplace to a life enriched by service and social progress.  Our conversation with Leah explores effective leadership and the role of innovation within the nonprofit realm. Leah shares six principles from her book that—when followed—allow organizations to dream big, start small, and foster a culture where...

(Note: this episode is part of both our Innovation and Vocation series.) Unlock the transformative power of weaving faith and creativity with business as we feature a fellow member of the Wheaton family, Tommy Lee. Tommy combines a heart of service with a love for equipping leaders and fostering collaboration. The episode is filled with actionable insights and practical wisdom for anyone wanting to grow professionally. As we trace his career evolution, our discussion sheds light on the...

About the episode: (Note: this episode is the second in our "Vocation" series.) Have you ever wondered how your job could not just pay the bills but also feed your soul? Today’s conversation is for anyone who longs to make a tangible difference in the lives of others but wonders how to get started–or continue. Kent once again welcomes Peter Greer of Hope International, and they discuss the joys and challenges of embracing a vocation with purpose. They also talk about ways to prepare for a...

In this episode, the first in our “Vocation” series, we unlock valuable insights on navigating a fulfilling career in the humanitarian and justice sectors with friends and special guests, Jonathan Dahlager and Joy Lee. Jonathan and Joy share from their personal experiences about the pivotal role of internships, mentorship, and the right team support in shaping vocations that make a difference globally.  Education, skills, and experience have taken center stage in the ever-evolving...

Do you want to foster real change and innovation in your organization, but feel unsure where to start? When you’re leading a group of people waiting for your direction, how do you move them toward a new vision?  In this episode, Jamie and Kent sit down with Dr. Margaret Diddams, a well-respected Principal Consultant at the Diddams Group, to discuss the art of innovation in leadership. Dr. Diddams, a former Provost at Wheaton College, shares her reflections on “holy discontent” and its role...

In this episode, we talk with Preston Hill, assistant professor of integrative theology at Richmont Graduate University, about theology and trauma. Preston's insights challenge us to rethink our understanding of trauma, moving away from viewing it simply as suffering. This important, timely conversation includes a discussion of spiritual hurt and the often painful reality of trauma within church communities. As we delve into the characteristics of trauma-informed churches, Preston emphasizes...

Join us on today’s episode for a deeply enriching conversation with Laura Howe of Hope Made Strong on the crucial role of the church in addressing mental health issues, particularly in the wake of the pandemic's collective trauma.  We leave no stone unturned, covering topics such as practical ways to empower your congregation to provide solace, support, and strength to those grappling with mental health issues. We also discuss the multitude of ways the Church Mental Health Summit can serve...

Join us for a conversation about the much-needed, challenging world of disaster relief with Brent Davis, Director of Canadian Ministry Projects for Samaritan's Purse. Brent’s mantra “anytime we're not responding, we're preparing” reinforces the commitment and readiness Samaritan's Purse brings to communities ravaged by wildfires and other disasters. We'll uncover the critical role of trust-building, the logistics of post-disaster deployment, and the swift establishment of Samaritan’s Purse...

In this week’s conversation, we navigate the complex terrain of foster care and adoption with our esteemed guests, Jenn Ranter Hook, founder and executive director of Replanted, and her husband, Josh Hook, a psychology professor. Jenn opens up about her personal experiences working with children in the foster care system and her realization about the Church's lack of support for families on that journey. Josh shares his research interests and how they intersect with adoption and foster care,...

About the episode: Have you ever felt that Christian practices and mindfulness are worlds apart? Joshua Knabb, a board-certified clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, joins us to bridge that gap. We unearth the deeply meditative heritage of Christianity and explore how secularized “mindfulness” can be adapted to resonate with Christian values.  We also discuss Lectio Divina, a reading practice rooted in the Christian monastic tradition. The findings from Joshua's research on...

About the episode: Step into the trenches with us as we unpack the raw truth of providing humanitarian aid in war zones. We are privileged to have as our guests Anne Reitsema, CEO of Medair, and Meghan North, former country director for Medair in Ukraine and Poland. They share insights about the initial response to the crisis in Ukraine and details about the daily reality of living and serving in areas of conflict. During our conversation, Anne and Meghan shared the unique challenges posed...

Imagine walking into a room and feeling an inexplicable sense of attachment. Have you wondered why? In this episode, we explore that very question with our guest, Dr. Victor Counted, a renowned researcher and associate professor at Regent University. Our discussion pivots around the psychology of religion and environmental psychology, unearthing how our attachment to places and God shapes our identities and spirituality. Also, Dr. Counted brings an eye-opening perspective on the interplay...

Discover the psychological secrets behind why people are leaving behind their faith and quietly quitting church as we sit down with esteemed guests, Dr. Aaron McLaughlin and Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren. In our eye-opening conversation, we dig into their recent study "Losing My Religion," funded by the John Templeton Foundation, which aimed to understand the characteristics, reasons, and mental health of the religious “dones” (individuals who once held religious beliefs but have since walked away...

What if anxiety, a feeling we often dread, could actually be an opportunity for spiritual growth? In this fascinating conversation with Curtis Chang— executive director of Redeeming Babel, consulting professor at Duke Divinity School, and senior fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary—we discuss his new book, The Anxiety Opportunity, and explore how to approach anxiety from a Christian perspective. Together, we dive into the relationship between Christianity and coping with loss in times of...

What if we could help every child flourish in the face of adversity and trauma? Join us as we speak with two staff members of Christian Heritage, a non-profit agency in Nebraska: Roy Baldwin, the executive director, and Emma Sugita, CH’s training director. Christian Heritage’s mission is to see the gospel redeem the most broken families through their programs and services, including Beyond Prison, Families Together, and Care Portal.  Roy and Emma relate stories of hope from the front lines of...

In this episode, Jamie delves into the crucial topic of helping your congregation become a trauma-informed church. He also notes the perils of non-trauma-informed congregations. With nearly 70% of people experiencing trauma at some point in their lives, it's essential for churches to understand trauma’s prevalence and impact, in order to create a safe and supportive environment for those affected.  Join us as we continue to learn how to “do good, better” and create more compassionate,...

In this episode, Jamie introduces a Christian grounding technique he and Kent developed for the Spiritual First Aid certificate course, Grounded in Grace: The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique. The technique is designed to help manage stress and anxiety by directing our attention to the present moment through our five senses. Because it incorporates prayer and visualization, this practice can strengthen our faith and deepen our connection to God.  As Jamie notes, it’s vital for helpers to take care of...

In this episode, Jamie dives into the unholy trinity of burnout: burnout itself, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. This trio is familiar to many in helping professions, ministry positions, or volunteer roles. Understanding their definitions and root causes is essential for preventing—and overcoming—each of them. As Christian helpers, we can't ignore these issues. Instead, we must prioritize our well-being to serve others more effectively and model healthier life rhythms. Together as...

One of the things Jamie and Kent have learned over the years is that “doing good, better” is demanding emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's quite common for helpers to feel a high level of stress, and they may eventually succumb to compassion fatigue or even burnout.  In a special edition of the podcast, Jamie leads us through a 10-minute progressive muscle relaxation exercise to help relieve stress. We hope it will encourage you as you continue to serve and make a...

In this unique episode, Jamie and Kent sit down with poet and pastor Drew Jackson, author of two volumes of poetry, including God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming. Drew reads several of his poems, leading into discussions about Jesus as an outsider, how justice work is a core gospel ethic, and why remaining vulnerable and compassionate is imperative for Christians who want to “do good, better.”.   Listen as:  (0:00:03) - Drew reads his poem “Nazareth,” reflecting on Luke...

In this wide-ranging episode, Jamie and Kent sit down with Bob Smietana, a veteran news reporter and author of Reorganized Religion: The Reshaping of the American Church and Why It Matters. Together they discuss why people are leaving American churches, examine the loss of resources from current trends (and scandals), and discuss what we can do to continue moving forward.  Listen in to learn more about: Crises that Jamie and Kent are not prepared for—like cat-worshiping cults.  The...

We’re excited to begin a brand-new season of “The Better Samaritan” with a special episode. A few months ago, Jamie Aten and Kent Annan were invited by One Collective to teach Spiritual First Aid training for Christians serving refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) impacted by the war in Ukraine.  In this episode, Jamie and Kent share audio they recorded on the field and reflections while on the trip and after they’d been home a few weeks.  You’ll hear::  How they almost missed...